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August 16, 2008 at 11:17:44
Promoted to Headline (H2) on 8/16/08: by Ralph Lopez Page 1 of 3 page(s) 
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From Impeachment Left to Right "The 110th Congress isn’t over. We’re starting our work, and then we’re doing it in a period where the Congress is in recess. I’m calling everybody back." -- John Conyers on DemocracyNow, Aug.14,2008 House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers has taken the highly unusual step of calling his committee back from summer recess in order to investigate allegations by Ron Suskind that the Bush administration forged a letter to buttress the links made between Saddam and 9/11, and Saddam and WMD. The congressional Authorization for the Use of Force Against Iraq, the ""War Resolution" which, as far short as it fell of a congressional declaration of war, gave the invasion its constitutional legal cover, and gave Bush the authorization to invade only after he had certified to congress the existence of these two critical links. If Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11, and if he did not possess WMD, the war was off. 
The Authorization for the Use of Force stipulated:
Sec. 3 (b) Presidential Determination.--
In connection with the exercise of
the authority granted in subsection (a) to use force the President
shall, prior to such exercise or as soon thereafter as may be feasible,
but no later than 48 hours after exercising such authority, make
available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
President pro tempore of the Senate his determination that--
(2) acting pursuant to this joint resolution is consistent
with the United States and other countries continuing to take
the necessary actions against international terrorist and
terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations,
or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the
terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.
On March 23, 2003, the president certified just that:
-"I have also determined that the use of armed force against Iraq is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001." -George Bush, certification to Congress to authorize the use of force in Iraq, March 23, 2003
"Armed force against Iraq is consistent with...actions against...nations...who...aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11..." are the operative words in that statement without the subordinate clauses.
After the flurry of impeachment articles embodied in HR 1345, read on the House floor on June 9, 2008, Rep. Dennis Kucinich followed up on July 10 with a single article which lasers in on the exact war lies Suskind's alleged forgery has called attention to. Not that the document is needed to show Bush lied. He admitted as much, which in a courtroom is prima facie evidence which supercedes any other.
In a press conference with Tony Blair in Jan. of 2003, Bush said:
[Adam Boulton, Sky News (London):] One question for you both. Do you believe that there is a link between Saddam Hussein, a direct link, and the men who attacked on September the 11th?
THE PRESIDENT: I can't make that claim.
THE PRIME MINISTER: That answers your question.
And on Sept. 18, 2003, on Meet the Press, Bush drove the nail in all the way:
-"No, we've had no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved with September the 11th.
Conyers' reconvening of his committee was the result of enormous public pressure, most poignantly that coming from military families wanting to know why their loved ones are dead. Despite the exquisite, shining clockwork political operation now in place at the Executive Branch, working hand in glove with the media spin machine, it's still not that easy to get 4100 Americans killed over lies. Bush knew Americans would not subject their troops to such an uncertain fiasco over 17 violated UN resolutions, or Saddam's brutal but by no means unique human rights record. If we attacked every country which violated UN resolutions, we'd be bombing Tel Aviv.
So Bush lied.
What is needed now is a full-court press by the public, especially those citizens up until now silent, to transform the Suskind investigation into true impeachment hearings. Public pressure, and only public pressure, resulted in the stunning but buried hearings of July 25, 2008. On that day only 17 out of hundreds of citizens from across the country who packed the hallway outside the Judiciary chambers were allowed into the room. As people chanted "Shame!" it was explained by Judiciary staff that the rest of the seats were taken by the media. The joke turned out to be on you, the public. Media packed the room, but not one American newspaper, not one network news station, reported the dramatic six-hour testimony which outlined some of the most serious charges which can be made against a U.S. president.
This country is now learning what many already know: that democracy is not given. It is demanded. Few politicians are interested in your right to freedom from search and seizure without a warrant, or your right to a jury trial even if George Bush thinks you are an "enemy combatant." They already belong to a class of the powerful who will merit special consideration. Some, with good reason, may argue that we already have a two-tier system of justice, for the rich, and for the poor. But like the movie says, you ain't seen nothing yet.
There is nothing partisan about impeachment. Just as politics should stop at the water's edge (except for John McCain, who injected himself into the Georgia crisis in a manner which would have earned Obama a withering barrage,) it stops when the very process by which we govern ourselves is in peril.
Take action -- click here to contact your local newspaper or congress people:
impeach bush
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http://ralphlopezworld.com
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Good news
Comment from Ratings: A sign of possible progress. I'd like to know more about what Fein is doing about this. Any further info? by Rob Kall (952 articles, 4177 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 12:46:01 PM  (0+)
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I would LOVE to see something come of this - but -
it's hard to get excited after all the disappointments we've had. As it is I can't help but believe this is just another carrot to be dangled and until I see some actual real movement I'm not throwing any bouquets at Conyers and I'll keep my rotten tomatoes in hand. by Mr M (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 66 diaries, 2845 comments [654 recommended, 27 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 2:17:29 PM (0+)
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Reply: Well Said, Well-Stocked....
Bouquets lose their bloom even more quickly than tomatoes. They need to actually move on some of these things, I've seen enough dog and pony shows in my time, and that's all we've seen from Congress on these key issues. Bread and Circuses for us malcontents, rattling of sabres. by muservin (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 78 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008 at 4:16:56 AM (0+)
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Thanks, Ralph
This is a great article on a timely subject. What seems important to me is that when Congresspersons give up their home/electioneering time for a cause bigger than an election, other Congresspersons pay attention. One race I watch is Steve Cohen's in Memphis, TN. He signed on to HR333 back then. He's running against an accomplished black politician in a district which ordinarily elects a black. Harold Ford Jr. had that seat before. Keith Ellison in Minnesota will have viable competition, probably for other reasons than the impeachment question. I sometimes wonder if we'll have to dig for current status of such House elections since national press doesn't do much for anyone lower than president and an occasional senator. by Margaret Bassett (45 articles, 2909 quicklinks, 42 diaries, 1851 comments [99 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 3:27:37 PM (0+)
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I wouldn't want to hang
until Conyers got up enough courage to ask his mommy if he can go up against Nancy Pelosi. What, they just now woke up to crimes because Susskind wrote a book? What a disaster we have in the present Democrats in Congress and they want us to confirm their ignorance and greed by a landslide in November. by Jim Freeman (108 articles, 53 quicklinks, 227 diaries, 386 comments) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 3:47:14 PM (0+)
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Zzzzzzzzz - How many times have we been through this?
Conyers = Lucy by Phred42 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 24 comments) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 4:40:06 PM (0+)
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Reply: http://www.djrserv.com/images/penutsfootball.gif
http://www.djrserv.com/images/penutsfootball.gif the url for the above post by Phred42 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 24 comments) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 4:41:10 PM (0+)
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Kucinich still making sense .. common sense
Comment from Ratings: This article shows that, he had these 'in house' crooks 'on the table' since day one. Dennis Kucinich ... people who heard the truth in his voice, and now others are seeing the light. Let's keep this truth ball rolling until real American justice becomes valuable once again, respected and implemented, in actual fairness, and this gang in power now crawls back wherever they came from, and pays their dues ... criminals in my book, led on by the greed and the smell of profit at all and any cost. by Victoria (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 5:01:51 PM (0+)
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It's one more step but HOPE needs a shove
Now would be a good time to send letters, faxes, phones calls Conyers, his committee members, and local / national news agencies supporting the investigation. Without support the less powerful can't be expected to take on the goliaths of the our power structure. This IS a hopeful move and I for one am willing to shove a little. Perhaps we all can! by sometimes blinded (4 articles, 106 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 615 comments [51 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 6:45:34 PM (0+)
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Is the House Speaker above the law?
Where is the law that says that the Speaker of the House may block all such hearings? Is the Speaker above the law? by Aurora (0 articles, 95 quicklinks, 52 diaries, 648 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 6:47:58 PM (0+)
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Not So Fast
UPDATE: Reader reports that Conyers now says he did not call committee back, but only "staff," .......Democratic Underground click here “UPDATE: Commenter reports that Conyers now says he did not call committee back, but only "staff," whom I thought stayed on anyway while congressmen were on "District Work Period."__Daily Kos click here by Robert Arend (24 articles, 30 quicklinks, 21 diaries, 240 comments [22 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 7:59:15 PM (0+)
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Reply: OOPs
Hopefully these links will work. Still not skilled enough when it comes to converting long addresses. by Robert Arend (24 articles, 30 quicklinks, 21 diaries, 240 comments [22 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 8:06:38 PM (0+)
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Reply: One More Time!
Kos: by Robert Arend (24 articles, 30 quicklinks, 21 diaries, 240 comments [22 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 8:12:06 PM (0+)
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If it's Conyers, it is just going through the motions!
Conyers is still just paying lip service to keep us thinking that something might actually get done. He has no intention of doing anything since he is in the Bush administrations back pocket. How someone who had the stature he used to have can lay down this low is beyond me but he is hardly the only one. With very few exceptions we need to start rounding up administration, Congressional, and Supreme Court members and ship them off to Guantanamo where we can begin interrogating them(using Bush techniques, of course) and get the truth out of them. Does anyone remember what truth is? Hello? by Hayesml47 (6 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 540 comments [10 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 9:03:49 PM (0+)
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Amen to that!
Comment from Ratings: Do the right thing people, start following this voice who is actually looking out for your best interests rather than continuing to follow those who are leading you into quicksand. Thank you for the great article! by Raphael Sidelman (6 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 40 comments [16 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Aug 16, 2008 at 11:43:51 PM (0+)
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Hope leaps skyhigh. Memory says Conyers fooled us once
... and, speaking directly to Chairman Conyers: Shame on you. Unless and until your Judiciary Committee announces -- to the Press -- scheduled Impeachment hearings, the House Pelosi tanked mocks Justice. Mr. Conyers, you remain injust and a fool talking to fool us again. You're only fooling yourself ... whatever number of times you've fooled you. Hereafter, please stay out of Amy Goodman's fine radio programming, because it is looking for Truth to broadcast and you're not qualified, Mr. Conyers. --- Yet the article has 2 good suggestions for us OEN-knowers to practice. (Not the 1 about contacting the Judiciary Committee, chaired by a LIAR.) ** Withhold all political donations from candidates who do not advocate Impeachment. This includes not 'donating' volunteer efforts. This includes Pelosi. In any personal contacts and among persons we know well or grew up with, persuade others to not donate money, time, nor effort for the corrupted candidates' campaigns. Speak shame on the Staffers in corruption with those candidates. ** BOYCOTT the MassMedia -- Cancel your subscriptions and payments TODAY! BOYCOTT Advertisers and Sponsors -- DO NOT BUY the PRODUCTS. Examination shows the main advertiser in MassMedia is ... MassMedia ! All the money changes hands for commercials telling us to watch a certain movie, see a special TV channel, tune to a radio broadcast, buy a certain newspaper, magazine, book. Don't buy MassMedia. In a democracy, it's a free Press and the Press is free. by meremark (1 articles, 3 quicklinks, 30 diaries, 572 comments [22 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 11:49:21 AM (0+)
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Suskind Interview on Democracy Now
Suskind was interviewed extensively on August 13th and 14th on Democracy Now by Amy Goodman. Also appearing on the 2nd show was Conyers who was amazingly elusive about the investigation he and his committee are undertaking. It makes me wonder just how much more information is needed to start impeachment hearings. In the interview Suskind goes into quite a bit of detail about various events including "The Letter" as well as tidbits such as how we botched our relationship with Iran becuase the diplomat couldn't find the hotel. It is quite amazing. I have made both interviews available using new technology that supports immediate download of any size video. Click on each link to download and watch the August 13th and 14th interviews with Suskind on Democracy Now. Once you download you will be able to provide these to any collegues, or friends. by Daniel Latrimurti (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 12:00:01 PM (0+)
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Reply: thanks
thank you for this! by Ralph Lopez (66 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 13 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Aug 18, 2008 at 2:25:44 PM (0+)
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Add one big tactic to your calls and emails
This tactic has greater potntial for getting a message across to Congress that WE ARE serious than so many calls and emails. Change your voter registration to: Green, then let your representative know about it. The logic behind this (see why at: Switch2Green.org) is that in an instant it means that they cannot take your vote for granted anymore, and must now ACT differently to count on your support ever again. How you vote is your own decision of conscience, but your registration iteslf says to this pitful, enabling and shameful Congress, "The jig's up. I won't believe your lies and promises anymore. Here is MY agenda. YOU start to live up to it and represent ME and 70% of the constituents who want impeachment and to end this war." The Green Party Platform and Values back your registration's statements: end Occupation, Yes to impeachment, stop torture, save the Constitution, etc. This registration switch is a meaningful and eminently useful and effective tactic you should not pass up when fighting for impeachment. We must use every tool at your disposal if you we serious. For those who might say I'll do anything, but this, ask yourself: What is it you are trying to save here? the country? the Constitution? or the Democratic Party? The latter, unfortunately, has been the excuse of the DP leadership as they allow the Constitution and nation to sink into the mire. You have to change something if you expect things to change. Your registration is a meaningful and eleoquent way to announce that a Change has begun. Again, changing your registration does not require you to vote in any given way in November; the "meaningful" part of this switch is that a Green registration not only puts Congress on notice, it aligns you with a Party whose platform sounds like your own list of demands. by alan k (12 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 36 comments [6 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 1:15:25 PM (0+)
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Nancy and Conyers are Aiding and Abetting
By their inaction, the leadership in Congress is giving two thumbs up to this criminal administration; therefor they become coconspirators. They have failed in their duties, failed the American people, and our Constitution. They must go! by ronheri (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 256 comments [45 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Sunday, Aug 17, 2008 at 9:58:19 PM (0+)
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It sounds hopeful
Comment from Ratings: Unfortunately, it is probably more of a cover your A** munuiver. This testimony is very interresting. I think we should all talk about it and somehow find a way to do nothing. We don't want to rock the boat. I mean these guys are all heavily invested in arms and weapons (Secret Weapons). They sell them to our friends. They sell them to our enemies even when there is an arms embargo in place. A General says "The Enterprise is a private for profit institution and GHW was out of the loop". On 9/11 GHW was sitting with Osama's Dad discussing how their defense company can make some money and they watch as they kick off continual war. It is never ending. Boy, that ought to make our coffers go ching ching. Do You really think that is what happened? I think that is probably about right. They have the insurance of the ability to monitor any communication and run a cashless society that can really put the pressure on any who do not Bow Down to the show. "All the worlds a stage and all the men and women merely players. by Sleeper (1 articles, 1 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 312 comments [6 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 1:50:54 PM (0+)
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It sounds hopeful
Comment from Ratings: Unfortunately, it is probably more of a cover your A** munuiver. This testimony is very interresting. I think we should all talk about it and somehow find a way to do nothing. We don't want to rock the boat. I mean these guys are all heavily invested in arms and weapons (Secret Weapons). They sell them to our friends. They sell them to our enemies even when there is an arms embargo in place. A General says "The Enterprise is a private for profit institution and GHW was out of the loop". On 9/11 GHW was sitting with Osama's Dad discussing how their defense company can make some money and they watch as they kick off continual war. It is never ending. Boy, that ought to make our coffers go ching ching. Do You really think that is what happened? I think that is probably about right. They have the insurance of the ability to monitor any communication and run a cashless society that can really put the pressure on any who do not Bow Down to the show. "All the worlds a stage and all the men and women merely players. by Sleeper (1 articles, 1 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 312 comments [6 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 1:52:35 PM (0+)
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Conyers: Before and After
Before: From a post by a friend who attended a progressive pep rally at a Holiday Inn in San Diego, Calif. on July 20, 2007 at which Conyers was the headliner. He arrived with "minor rock star status" -- (or better!) at a reception sponsored by the Progressive Democrats of America. This is also the same John Conyers who wrote a book called "The Constitution in Crisis," which has been described as a roadmap to guide House members through the process of impeaching Bush and Defibrillator Dick. But that was then... After: They got kicked around, disrespected and ridiculed by the GOP majority for six ugly years, but democrats finally gained the upper hand in 2006. And while most people expected Conyers to get energized and take dead aim at removing the criminals in the white house, he's been about as useless as Pelosi, fist-shaking and cheer-leading for his fans at progressive rallies notwithstanding. So this is what his spokespeople sound like these days when trying to squirm their way out of answering a direct question concerning Conyers' stand on impeachment: The honorable Congressman has decided to form an exploratory committee to kick-start the process of beginning to consider the possibility that at some point in the unforeseeable future it might be an idea to look into the positives and negatives that a thorough investigation might uncover regarding an effort to take into account the feasibility of forming a task force to determine if there's any remote chance that impeachable offenses have been committed by the president of vice and his slack-jawed marionette and that said task force be granted subpoena power just in case they're not completely ignored again and if they are there's already a working draft of a strongly worded statement sitting near the bottom of the same pile of paper where H Res. 333 / H Res. 799 has been gathering dust for months now just waiting for the light of truth to point the way to a new blue ribbon fact-finding panel charged with helping the task force and the exploratory committee determine if it's politically advantageous to launch hearings that might eventually result in some form of sanctions, including but not limited to IMPEACHMENT. Sound about right? wp by Warren Pease (4 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 14 comments) on Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 3:31:29 PM (0+)
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